I lived in Holyoke from age 8-14, during the Kennedy admin. We would ride our bikes up to Scott's tower ready for cowboys and indians action. As you say they didn't complete the highway until later-- it was open between Hartford and Springfield by 1958 or so but the local businesses along Rte 5 in West Springfield didn't want it and the leg up through Holyoke was delayed. I hadn't realized how the interstate cuts off the park and the tower from the rest of town. By the way, the actual Anniversary Hill was right behind the Lynch Jr High School, now torn down, but that was on Northampton Street at Dwight. We went sledding all the time on Anniversary Hill but building 91 left the slope shorter and steeper, not so good for the sled. Holyoke, in those days, had Mountain Park-- one of the old trolley car company amusement parks, like Norembega Park in Auburndale. Next to that was the Mount Tom Ski area, new in 1959 or 60. It was mobbed in the '60s but they gave up in the '90s-- winters had gotten too warm. Awful how they ran these interstates through parkland-- I-93 right through the Middlesex Fells, Rte 3 or 128 or whatever it is wrapping around the Blue Hills. I can hear all the road noise near Scotts tower during your recording. Anyway, thanks for the tour and let's hope Holyoke, now a poor city, finds the resources to restore that park!
It looks like someone is maintaining the trail a little bit; I noticed a tree tagged for removal outside of the tower. Hopefully they will continue to do more maintenance and not just close up the tower. Thank you for another great video about East Coast historical sites! I look forward to your East Coast road trip, but I honestly would rethink visiting Florida in the middle of summer as it is unbearably hot and humid, and that's even if you aren't living in a van. Shared to help you build your channel!
Knew I'd seen this off I-91 a whole bunch. I'm right across from Northfield in NH, been down there a lot.
Greetings from the north shore of Massachusetts. Love the locations and history lessons
Tons of cool places in MA, especially western MA
Great videos. I am a native MA resident and have not visited the locations that you are exploring. But I will be very soon! TY! Eric
Have fun!
I lived in Holyoke from age 8-14, during the Kennedy admin. We would ride our bikes up to Scott's tower ready for cowboys and indians action. As you say they didn't complete the highway until later-- it was open between Hartford and Springfield by 1958 or so but the local businesses along Rte 5 in West Springfield didn't want it and the leg up through Holyoke was delayed. I hadn't realized how the interstate cuts off the park and the tower from the rest of town. By the way, the actual Anniversary Hill was right behind the Lynch Jr High School, now torn down, but that was on Northampton Street at Dwight. We went sledding all the time on Anniversary Hill but building 91 left the slope shorter and steeper, not so good for the sled. Holyoke, in those days, had Mountain Park-- one of the old trolley car company amusement parks, like Norembega Park in Auburndale. Next to that was the Mount Tom Ski area, new in 1959 or 60. It was mobbed in the '60s but they gave up in the '90s-- winters had gotten too warm.
Awful how they ran these interstates through parkland-- I-93 right through the Middlesex Fells, Rte 3 or 128 or whatever it is wrapping around the Blue Hills. I can hear all the road noise near Scotts tower during your recording. Anyway, thanks for the tour and let's hope Holyoke, now a poor city, finds the resources to restore that park!
I go there often! It's a nice walk through the woods, it's not too busy usually and there's plenty to explore.
I honestly kind of like how disconnected it is, it keeps the crowds down.
I was up there probably 15ish years ago? I just sort of stumbled upon it, lol, while geocaching.
It’s not well publicised at all even by the city of Holyoke
@@undertheradarvan SAd. That, and Poet's Seat, two gems that this state really dropped the ball with
It looks like someone is maintaining the trail a little bit; I noticed a tree tagged for removal outside of the tower. Hopefully they will continue to do more maintenance and not just close up the tower.
Thank you for another great video about East Coast historical sites! I look forward to your East Coast road trip, but I honestly would rethink visiting Florida in the middle of summer as it is unbearably hot and humid, and that's even if you aren't living in a van.
Shared to help you build your channel!
The Florida trip is planned for late September, you think it will be better by then?
Good morning Brother Great videos
Thanks you too! Wish it were warmer!